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What’s real, then what’s funny

April 6, 2010 QandA, Words on the page

Jane Espenson makes the case for finding the essence before writing the jokes:

I guarantee you that they did not start working on the latest episode by thinking of funny things that could happen in a pottery class. They started by thinking about their characters, what they believe, and where they’re weakest.

Find your characters’ vulnerable spots and poke them and you’ll find a story. The idea that Jeff was over-praised as a child, resulting in a self-image that needs correction is not hilarious. It’s grounded and real — which allows for more license when writing the jokes.

Related Posts

  1. Can I base a character on a real asshole?
  2. Are jokes public domain?
  3. Making unnecessary and possibly horrible changes

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